Gameloft’s famous FPS (First Person Shooter) Modern Combat: Sandstorm [LITE Version] has gone on sale for $4.99 compared to $6.99 before the price drop, later back we reviewed the game and we really liked and enjoyed the game. Today, Gameloft also released Asphalt 5 for the iPhone today which is a squeal to Asphalt 4: Elite Racing. Here’s the review posted by fenrir911:

Review:

Modern Combat: Sandstorm looks and in a way feels like CoD4 portable. It has the most impressive 3D graphics I have seen on the iPhone/iPod Touch, features 10 missions, but that is about it.

Graphics: Now I’m the type of guy that likes to see good graphics mixed with good gameplay, this game delivers both. Graphically this game is amazing, with seven weapons each with different models, a couple of different environments, and different enemy models, this game varies quite a bit. The seven weapons are nice, with some only being availabe during some missions while others not. Environments are where i find this game deserves some gratitude, from the grit and dirt on the wall to the scattered papers on tables, this game delivered. Aside from some clipping problems this game does a good job of delivering the “console-experience” everybody has been looking for. The inclusion of different enemy models was something cool too, the fact that there are many different models just shows their attention to detail. It would have been nice to see some actual different types of enemies, e.g. the shotgun guys have body armor so they’re harder to kill when doing body shots.

Sound: Gameloft did not disappoint on the sound department, taking it one step further than Gangstar by actually adding full voice overs was something that immersed you in the thrill of the game. The soundtrack was really good, with it getting faster in intense situations, and slower when out of combat. The voice overs are also on the loading screens, which in turn are your actual mission briefings. Nice touch.

AI: The AI actually surprised me on this one, compared to Gamelofts other game, I was not expecting much, but surprise surprise. The AI is magnificent, they attack you on-sight, and the ones with the shotguns will actually run up to you. Be advised that I have only played the game on Hard-mode and Extreme-mode so I cannot speak for the other modes. The AI will throw grenades, shoot at you from a distance, if you take cover they will charge in, sometimes in groups, they reload so it does not seem like they have infini-clips. Their were a few things i did not like, like the fact that your teammates can take infinite damage, but overall the AI made the game fun, but there is still room for improvement, but the fact that we see them kicking down tales and cabinets to use as cover was something that added to the feel of the game.

Story: The story ranges across ten varied missions. (technically nine with the first one being a tutorial) The missions bring you across the environment battling your way through terrorists as you uncover the truth to what is happening. The story was predictable if you are a fan of war games/movies. The game has you go on squad based and individual missions. I enjoyed the whole game, finding the 4th and 9th mission to be the only actual fun replayable mission. The story is short and can be completed in around 3-4 hours, but I think if you enjoyed CoD4, you will enjoy this game.

Gameplay: The gameplay for MC:S does not fall short. With four different difficulties, and the ability to replay levels I find myself coming to this game just for a quick run. The gameplay consists of you running through levels by following a green arrow which points you where to go. The game does have some issues like when your close to a teammate you sort of get sucked closed to him which gets you shot. The four difficulties are Easy, Normal, Hard, and Extreme. The difference I’ve noticed between Hard and Extreme is minimal, with the character only being able to take a few more shots in Hard than in Extreme. No real change in AI except a little more accuracy, and they use grenades more. The game also has you get weapons through weapon boxes, and ammo are floating ammo boxes. One thing that would have added to the game was instead of boxes for ammo, they could have just made the weapon that they drop shine a little, I mean they already had the weapon model, why detract from the realism by making a floating box like Metal Gear. One other thing I did not understand about the game was why you could not choose your weapon before the start of each missions, or why you dont keep your weapons from the previous missions. Thats something that should of have been implemented when you replay missions, the inclusion of equipment select.

Controls: This is something I feel the need to talk about. The controls are excellent, their are three different control schemes, the first one is an analog on the left side, swiping anywhere on the screen to look around, and a fire buttion on the bottom right corner of the screen, the second one is swiping anywhere on the left side of the screen creates a movable analog, while swiping on the right side allows you to aim, and double tapping will fire, the third one is two virtual analog sticks. I find myself using the first scheme, the only problem I have with the controls is that the zoom button is too low, I find myself having to ‘find’ it when I am in a hurry to shoot. A double tap to zoom on the first control scheme would have been a lot better than having to hit all the way on the bottom right when my finger is close to the middle.

Overall: 4.5/5 stars, the game delivers an enjoyable experience with beautiful graphics, the controls work perfectly, the AI is relentless, and the missions are a nice length, but the game does not save your checkpoint, and has no real replayability, but the game is a complete game and I find myself playing it when I’m in teh mood for a portable FPS.

Note:A mode like mission 4 where your protecting your castle for as long as you can would have been a cool addition.